Your roof protects your home from all kinds of weather, but when it gets damaged or wears out, you may end up with gaps in that protection. A roof leak doesn't always create that classic, recognizable drip. Instead, watch for these five signs of water seeping in.

How to Spot a Roofing Issue

1. Mold

Your home is naturally full of dormant mold spores, but they can only grow if they have a source of water. A roof leak can allow mold growth on ceilings or walls, creating obvious colonies which can be black, gray, bluish, brown, or pinkish in color.

2. Shingle Problems

If you can see that there are missing or damaged shingles on your roof, you know they aren't adequately protecting that area. Curling, warping, and separating shingles leave plenty of room for water to seep in and should be replaced as soon as possible.

3. Odors

A strong odor is a likely indicator of moisture. Mold doesn't always grow in visible areas, but you can still identify it by its scent. It produces a musty, wet odor that’s noticeable even if the mold is hidden inside the walls. You may also notice the smell of other wet materials like wood.

4. Stains

When water gets into wood, drywall, and other building materials, it can cause darkening and yellowing. These stains often persist even after the water has dried out. As a result, you may come across yellowed rings even in sunny weather.

5. Damaged Flashing

The flashing is the material used to seal interruptions in your roofing where chimneys, skylights, and other fixtures come through the shingles, as well as the joints where different roof areas come together. It’s also vulnerable to leaks. If you can see it cracking, warping, or pulling away, it needs immediate repairs.

If you identify leaks in your roof, schedule repairs with Link's Contracting in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Serving Wood County for over 25 years, they stand behind the quality of their work and offer a 10-year no-leak warranty on new roofing. To schedule a visit, call them at (715) 424-5465 or learn more about their roofing services online.